World Day of Remembrance | Cleveland
The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is a global event to remember the many millions who have been killed and seriously injured on the world’s roads and to acknowledge the suffering of all affected victims, families and communities – millions added each year to countless millions already suffering: a truly tremendous cumulative toll.
World Day of Remembrance also offers the opportunity to demonstrate the enormous scale and impact of road deaths and injuries, call for an end to the often trivial and inappropriate response to road death and injury and advocate for urgent concerted action to stop the carnage.
Cleveland is no exception. Each year, hundreds of people are hit by drivers locally, and dozens of our neighbors are lost to traffic violence. Over the last 5 years, 70 people have been killed while biking, walking, or rolling in Cleveland. So far in 2026, pedestrians, bicycle riders, and wheelchair users make up 36% of all the fatal crashes in Cleveland. Compared to an average of 19% over the last 5 years, it is clear that safe streets investments are not hitting the ground fast enough to significantly reduce crashes and save lives. In fact, it’s getting worse. In order for the City of Cleveland to attain its stated Vision Zero goal of zero traffic fatalities by 2032 – aggressive action must be taken.
What can YOU do to help?
Remember: On Sunday, November 15th take a ride or walk to one of several locations where Clevelanders lost their lives this year while riding bicycles. If you are able – leave flowers on the ghost bikes at these locations and take a long moment to remember those that we have lost. If you participate, please take a photo and share it along with tagging us on social on Sunday. If you have a personal story, please share that as well. Every story matters, every loss matters.
Locations:
William “Frank” Mays | Detroit Ave and W25th | Directions
Amare Jones | E65th and Lexington Ave | Directions
James Hendershot | S Marginal and Lorain Ave | Directions
Eric Sibenik | Nottingham Road near Euclid Ave | Directions
Support: You can join Families for Safe Streets – a group for people who have lost loved ones or who have been injured in crashes. This group is designed to provide a community of support for victims and loved ones, while working collaboratively to end traffic violence in Greater Cleveland.
Act: Contact your City of Cleveland Councilperson and advocate for more resources to be allocated towards projects that calm traffic and provide safe spaces for pedestrians and bicyclists. Many of these projects are in the queue as part of Cleveland Moves – but without strong public support they may take longer to become reality – which can ultimately lead to more lives lost.
